By Marilyn Jozwik
America’s Indigenous Peoples have a rich culture of storytelling. Those stories can be a wonderful source of material for family theater.
Milwaukee’s First Stage children’s theater has opened its virtual “Amplify” BIPOC short play series with “Copper Horns in Water,” based on Anishinaabe storytelling traditions. The BIPOC play series features newly commissioned work from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) playwrights and directors.
“Copper Horns in Water” runs virtually through May 16. For more information, visit https://www.firststage.org/amplify
“Copper Horns in Water,” written by Ty Defoe, features 12 students from Milwaukee’s Indian Community School and adult actress Marisa Carr. Johamy Morales directs.
The play, a little over 15 minutes, is recommended for families with children 8 and older. It is a fun way for children to learn about Indigenous Peoples and their love of nature, to learn a few Anishinaabe (related to Algonquin) words and to hear some Native American music. The play also shares how heavy a burden it can be for even young people to do the right thing.
In the story, four sea creatures – North, South, East and West – are excitedly getting ready to receive their Copper Horns, which will help them keep their water safe and clean. It is a sort of coming-of-age time for the youngsters, somewhat like a “quinceanera” for 15-year-old girls in Spanish and Latin countries.
Unc-Aunt Boo-Boo (Carr) tells the four about their big responsibility once they wear the Copper Horns, saying that “copper creates peace and balance with our relatives in the sky, the thunderbirds.”
All the creatures are excited about the prospect, except North, who begins to wilt under the weight of the responsibility, especially when it looks like “the two-legged beings” are planning to upend the creatures’ watery world.
The children at home are encouraged to put on their own, hand-made “copper horns” and help the sea creatures with their noble cause.
I love the energy and enthusiasm of the children in the show, as well as Carr, who truly look like they are having fun with the tale. For the youngsters watching, it gives a taste of how even they can be good stewards of the land.
The production is nicely done, with the children speaking in front of watery backdrops with engaging visuals and sound.
Though just a small sample of the stories of Native Americans, it may spark a viewer’s interest in learning more about the many tribes in our state currently, the many more that once lived here and their beautiful, enduring culture.
Parents and teachers can view an enrichment guide for “Copper Horns in Water” at https://bit.ly/3gsqx7R